Some people might describe the house at 7 Hawthorne Lane as a contemporary or split-level ranch. But there is a more suitable label for this house in the Fairfield County Hunt Club neighborhood: Multi-level, mid-century modern.

The house, built in 1957, has four finished levels plus a basement. The 3.13-acre property also has multiple levels. The house is on the street level and then there are several terraces, stone paths and stone steps that lead to lower levels -- one with a wood deck, one where an an-ground, heated Gunite swimming pool was installed, and one with a tennis court.

The property and house are deceptive when it comes to size. At first glance from the approach of the long, paved driveway, both the house and the grounds appear smaller than they actually are. But the beauty of the gardens is unmistakable and immediately noticeable. The owner is a knowledgeable and skilled gardener who has spent more than a decade tending the flower and organic vegetable beds. The landscaping includes many low-maintenance perennials.

The flower gardens, shrubbery, mature trees and small fish pond are designed to create the feeling of a sanctuary, and that's just what this property and house provide. Its location adds to the atmosphere. Hawthorne Lane is a cul-de-sac off Bayberry Lane, and this property sits at the end of it.

"It's like having your own private resort," one person said.

"It's resort living without the travel time," said another.

Inside the 3,449-square-foot house the main level includes the formal living room, formal dining room and the gourmet kitchen with an eat-in or breakfast room that has a floor-to-ceiling red brick fireplace and bump-out bay wall.

The level above it contains three of the four bedrooms. The level below the main floor has a family room with sliding doors to the wood deck and a fourth bedroom.

On the lowest level there also is a large room that could be used as a play or media room or as a home theater. It has wall-to-wall carpeting and a raised stage-like area suitable for a large television or a screen.

The living room has a floor-to-ceiling quarried stone fireplace, skylights and built-in bookshelves. The dining room has a door to a stone path that leads to the rear stone patio. The path is lined with large hydrangea bushes.

The kitchen features granite counters and a center island topped off with the same granite, glass-front cabinets, a window seat flanked by closets and a door to the same patio that is accessed by the dining room, as well as a covered porch.

Appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and GE gas range.

The master bedroom looks out onto the tennis court. Its bath has a jetted tub, double vanity and walk-in shower.

Two of the three full baths have 1950s-inspired glass club windows.

The basement has a workshop area and lots of storage space.

The attic can be accessed from two different doors at opposite ends of a hallway, and it has expansion possibilities.

An open house is planned at the property on Sunday, July 7, from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information or to set up an appointment to see the house, contact Maryann Ross Levanti of Higgins Group Real Estate at 203-984-5157.